Cook County Inmate Murder for Hire Plot Foiled

A Cook County Jail inmate promised his car and money to what he believed was a hit-man, to have his 11-year-old accuser, her sister and mother killed, according to a press release from the Cook County Sheriff's Department.

Brian Thurman, 28, of Melrose Park, was charged with predatory criminal sexual assault against the girl for allegedly assaulting her in an unincorporated Leyden Township motel on Jan. 13, the release stated.

While he was in custody at the jail, he asked another inmate to murder the family members.   

On Jan. 30, Thurman was given the phone number of what he believed was a hit-man who was actually an undercover Cook County Sheriff's investigator.

According to the release, during a susequent conversation, Thurman promised the supposed hit-man his Mercury Mountaineer and $8,000 to commit the murders. 

Then, on Feb. 4, the undercover investigator visited Thurman at Cook County Jail, where he requested the hit be done as soon as possible, and again promised the money and the vehicle for the job to be done, according to the release. 

Thurman now faces three counts of Murder for Hire, and three counts of Solicitation of Murder, which are both Class X felonies. 

A bond hearing is scheduled for February 10 at the Cook County Criminal Court Building. 

Sheriff's detectives are asking for tips from the public regarding other young girls who have frequented the motel room in unincorporated Leyden Township on Chicago's northwest side in the Mannheim Road area. 

Anyone with infromation is asked to contact the Cook County Sheriff's Detective Unit at 708-865-4896. 

Information provided by the Cook County Sheriff's Office.